Semi Rollover MM 141 Highway 40
September 17, 2019
Alarm Type: Rollover Accident with Entrapment
Dispatch time: 1304
On scene: 1313
Pt extricated: 1402
In Service: 1708
Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) was dispatched to Mile Marker 141 for the report of a semi rolled over on its roof with one party trapped in the vehicle. SSFR responded with 10 personnel staffing the on-duty engine, both ambulances, and a command vehicle due to the critical need for manpower in vehicle extrications. Routt County Communications Center (RCCC) passed on bystander reports that the cab of the semi was on its roof, with severe damage to the vehicle. Given this information Captain Wilkinson requested that Classic Air Medical be put on Airborne Standby.
The first arriving ambulance was able to make verbal contact with the patient however were unable to reach the patient due to the damage to Semi Tractor. Upon arrival of the fire engine a request was made for an on-duty chief to respond with a second set of extrication tools in case of breakdown or damage to any of the primary equipment during an extensive extrication. With continued contact with the patient, and the patient being alert, oriented and without complaints of critical injuries Classic Air Medical was cancelled from the call.
SSFR personnel first stabilized the tractor trailer to keep it from sliding/moving and potentially injuring any responders to the scene. A request was made by Captain Wilkinson through RCCC for 2 Heavy Wreckers to come to the scene to assist in stabilization if necessary. Rocky Mountain towing provided wrecker and personnel to assist at the scene. During extrication of the patient the multiple items had to removed/cut off of the tractor using extrication equipment (Jaws of Life from TV). Due to the patient being pinned between the dash and the steering column SSFR Personnel tunneled into the patient compartment by cutting off the doors, cutting out the steering column, removing both seats and then lifting the dash off of the patients legs. The patient was then packaged and transported to UC Health at YVMC with minor injuries.
SSFR would like to thank the following company and agencies for their assistance. Rocky Mountain Towing, Routt County Sherriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, and RCC. For further questions please contact Captain Travis Wilkinson at 970-879-7170.
Some pictures attached with more images available on SSFR Facebook page.
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